55g vs 50g, Why Buy a 55g?

[Roan Art]

I wouldn't, generally speaking. One of my 55g tanks was purchased to house very small fishes, the other was a freebie.

Advantages to the 55g, as stated, are that it gives a larger viewing window while fitting closer to the wall. It's a fine tank for fishes that stay under 6 inches in length

A lot of good reasons. I just couldn't see how it would apply, really. Now I do

though the dimensions aren't very convenient for aquascaping.

Exactly. That's why I was so shocked it was so narrow and changed my mind. I need more space for plants.

If I was going to buy a tank today, I'd opt for a broader footprint (like a 75 or a 50 over a 55g standard).

Nod, decided on the 75g for the length as well as depth. I could go 90g, but I don't see an advantage to that unless you have top dwellers and/or the plants you are dealing with grow 2' tall.

Roan

 

[OrionGirl]

That depends on what fish you have, though. With your balas, the distance is relevant. With smaller tetras, it's not as big a deal.

I prefer the tanks that have more front to back depth. They used to be called 'breeders', but more places are bringing them into the mainstream. For me, the give better planting options, easier to light, and more valuable territory for bottom dwellers. Since I only have 2-3 species that are not bottom dwellers, this is a huge advantage to me.

 

[Roan Art]

I'm dumb today :thud: !!!

Anyhow, since moving my fish to a longer tank, they seem to enjoy being able to swim the distance, thats all I meant. They really get some speed going from one end to the other which is kind of neat, especially when they bother to school. I realize they swim all around, but the length has seemed best for my fish !!

Heh, I didn't want to point that out. I knew what you meant

I want my tank at least 48" for the rainbows. The depth is for the plants, yah, but also corycats, loaches and gudgeons. My cories' favorite rest stop is at the back of the tank under a rock overhang and they and the loaches usually cruise the entire parameters of the tank for food. Then they do the middle. Almost methodical.

Roan

 

[Roan Art]

That depends on what fish you have, though. With your balas, the distance is relevant. With smaller tetras, it's not as big a deal.

I prefer the tanks that have more front to back depth. They used to be called 'breeders', but more places are bringing them into the mainstream. For me, the give better planting options, easier to light, and more valuable territory for bottom dwellers. Since I only have 2-3 species that are not bottom dwellers, this is a huge advantage to me.

Didn't see your post. Hey, you changed your avatar. Nice!

I agree on all counts. I tend to have a lot of bottom dwellers, too.

Roan

 

[RTR]

Am I mis-reading something here??! The difference is also between it being 3ft. as opposed to 4ft. right?!?!? I prefer to give the fish the extra foot in swimming room, which is why I would go with the 55g. Usually surface area is more important than depth.

Uhmm - a standard 50 has slightly more surface area than a standard 55, not less. The difference is not great, but real.

A 55 is showier tha a 50 (larger front view area), but is much harder IMHO to landscape. The 18" depth (front to back) is much easier to develop a pleasing scene in than a 55. To me the most aesthetically pleasing tank proportions are found in the 50 (18x18x38), 75 (18x18x48), and 120 (24x24x48) or 180 (24x24x72).

But a 55 is great for showing off smaller but fast moving schooling fish.

 

[tricksterpup]

I had no choice, I was given my 55's.